The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation has changed the way we work, communicate, and collaborate. This can have both positive and negative effects on a business. With more and more workplaces adopting AI technology to streamline their processes, it has become essential for both employers and employees to develop effective communication skills to thrive in an AI-driven workplace.
Having good communication at work can have a positive effect on individuals, and teams. In this article, we will discuss the importance of effective communication and ways to build one at your workplace.
Why AI Cannot Replace Human Communication
The use of Artificial intelligence in the workplace should never be seen as a threat, especially in human-to-human communication. Moreover, even if you have the best AI systems in the world, it can never replace the role of effective communication skills.
Here are just two reasons why an AI cannot replace effective human communication skills:
1. Lack Of Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is a major factor that will make humans retain their jobs. An AI does not have emotional intelligence and cannot relate to people as humans.
As human beings, there is a need for emotional connection with one another. Since AI does not have emotions, it is not possible to show a connection or attachment like human beings. Especially in your sales strategy, you can use AI for some marketing processes, however, AI can not communicate with your potential client in a personal way. You need human communication for this.
2. Lack Of Soft Skills
Although artificial intelligence is becoming more popular in every workplace, the jobs it can take from human beings are those that require a lesser level of reasoning. Every employee in an organization has soft skills. These skills include teamwork, interpersonal communication skills, paying attention to details, custom presentation skills, etc.
However, AI is not currently able to have such skills. It goes beyond their normal way of doing things.
Ways to Develop Effective Communication Skills In The Workplace
Now that we have seen that AI can not replace effective communication skills, even in an AI-driven workplace, let us see how we can develop perfect communication skills in our workplace. Based on the different methods of communication, there are several ways to build these skills.
By looking at random communication statistics in the workplace, you can know which communication method is used to communicate more effectively in an office. To develop effective workplace communication, some useful tips are listed below:
1. Consider Some Questions
There are numerous ways of communicating, but if you want to grow better at communicating, start by making it a habit to consider these 5 questions before you send any communication:
- Why do I have to communicate?
- Who am I communicating with?
- What is the goal of the communication?
- What action do I want the receiver to make?
- What is the most effective method to conduct communication?
You should take some extra time to consider how and why you are communicating if you have trouble responding to these questions. Later on, you can evaluate your comprehension skills too.
2. Planning and Review
To ensure that your communication is truly accomplishing the task you need it to, prepare what you want to say and review it. This particularly applies to written communications.
Yes, people improve their communication skills with the help of an AI to reconstruct their writings. However, review these writings to ensure that your communication has an effect on your receiver and not just a mere robot talking to the air.
3. Communicate in An Easy to Understand Manner
Clear and concise communication is a vital communication skill in an AI-driven workplace. With AI systems generating a vast amount of data, both employers and employees need to communicate their ideas clearly and concisely to ensure that the right message is conveyed. If possible, you should avoid using jargon, technical terms, and acronyms that can be confusing to those who are not familiar with the industry or technology. The goal is to pass a message or information and not to sound too high.
4. Practice and Reflect
Be deliberate about reflecting on the result of your everyday communication with people. For example, if you send an email to your manager and it didn’t go well, you should figure out what went wrong. Also, try and ask yourself what you need to do differently.
Similarly, if the desired outcome was not achieved from a discussion with a colleague, reflect on whether you effectively conveyed your needs and whether you used the appropriate approach. This will help you know which method is the best fit for your receivers.
5. Seek Feedback
Seeking feedback after communication is good practice to improve your communication skills. You can ask a few colleagues and your manager to rate your communication skills based on the below questions:
- What can I do to have better communication with you?
- What should I stop doing when communicating with you?
6. Practice Empathy
Empathy is an essential skill in an AI-driven workplace. As AI-powered technologies continue to automate tasks, it’s important to remember that behind every machine is a human being. Practicing empathy helps employees better understand the challenges and concerns of their colleagues and clients, leading to more effective communication and stronger relationships.
7. Develop Active Listening Skills
Active listening is a critical verbal communication skill in any workplace, but it’s especially important in an AI-driven environment. AI-powered technologies generate a vast amount of data, and active listening skills are necessary to identify key insights and opportunities.
Additionally, active listening skills are vital when collaborating with colleagues. By actively listening to what others are saying, employees can better understand their perspectives, identify potential roadblocks, and work together to find effective solutions.
The Importance of Communication Skills In The Workplace
Employees in an organization feel involved in a company’s growth when they are asked for their input in any new initiative. It will also move them to do more to grow the company which will lead to increased customer satisfaction and increased profit for the company.
The benefits of good communication skills in the workplace cannot be overemphasized and hence, below are some advantages:
1. Better Employee Engagement
An important indicator of employee productivity and possible retention is employee engagement. The engagement of an employee is increased through better communication. It shows how important your employees are to the company. In other words, their input and contribution are valuable. Having listening skills is a huge contribution to this.
2. Increased Morale
Team members who are not happy at their jobs take more time off. They prove to also be less productive and frequently affect the productivity of other workers when they are present.
However, an employee with a better work understanding brings greater enthusiasm and pride to their task. They know the importance of the work they are doing to the team’s ultimate performance.
3. Improved Productivity
Effective communication techniques help employees to have a better understanding of their jobs, which in turn aids in improved performance of their assigned tasks. This can save time and resources, allowing for increased productivity.
4. Better Collaboration
The majority of businesses nowadays make use of technology that does not require team members to be present in the same space, structure, or even nation.
Since this change creates new communication difficulties, managers can encourage collaboration by assisting teams in using the most up-to-date technologies to communicate effectively.
5. Fewer Workplace Conflicts
Miscommunication is the primary cause of many disputes. Negative work relationships can result from poor communication. Building effective communication can enhance workplace culture and avoid miscommunications between management and employees.
To achieve this, one should improve the communication techniques that emphasize hearing others out, empathy, and taking into account individual suggestions.
6. Good Motivation
Most people will not understand or remember a concept unless they have a proper understanding of it. As a manager, it is good to listen to the “why” and “because” of your employees.
By doing so, you will keep your employees motivated at all times to carry out their tasks well. This also improves your relationship with them, creating a more safe and conducive place for everyone. Communication skills for leaders are also as important as that of the employees.
Conclusion
Communication is one of the most sought-after skills by every employer each year. This is what makes our work and personal relationships easy. Good communication helps us collaborate better and become more productive.
Those are enough reasons to keep improving your communication skills because it is a must-have in a professional setting.
